So this chapter was supposed to contain lemons but it started to become a monster of a chapter and I decided to split this one in half. So this means I will upload two chapters today. Yay! Happy Sunday! Oh and don't mind the chapter title. I just experimenting with it.

Language...And SM owns the characters, I'm just borrowing them for my own sick and twisted pleasure!

Chapter 18…

********************************* Bonfire ************************************

The air crackled with raw excitement. The mood was light and exuberant. The reservation was alive with celebration. The tribe was buzzing with eagerness and exhilaration for today was the day of the bonfire…the bonfire that has been in the making for the last century. The elders never thought they would see this day. The pack bustling with happiness, their excitement barely containable. Each wolf alive with enthusiasm. Their eyes sparkling, their senses becoming live wires, and their mood soaring above the clouds! The happiness in the air was due to the celebration that was to come. Today, the pack would celebrate the return of their alpha.

Three years ago, none of them thought this day would ever come. A few days ago, this day was all but impossible as their alpha laid dying before their very eyes. A few days ago, the pack was on the brink of becoming extinct. Slowly dying out and becoming a faded memory. This would have been their destiny had it not been for the actions of a lone wolf. The outcast. The shunned. The one who brought about the destruction of their alpha. The one who had betrayed his tribe by sharing their secrets with an outsider. The one who was responsible to for the rejection of an imprint thus sentencing their alpha to death. He, who was responsible for the death sentence, had redeemed himself by pulling the alpha away from the grips of death. Seth Clearwater had redeemed himself the night he helped Nessie retrieve Jacob from the spirit world. His brothers had forgiven him for his actions and today at the bonfire, he would rejoin the brotherhood that he was shunned from…together with the celebration of acceptance of the alpha imprint.

Seth was at home getting ready for the bonfire tonight but his mood was heavy. He was thinking on the message his mother had delivered to him. He now shouldered the burden of Leah's future happiness. If he imprinted before her, her imprint would be forever lost to her. Their only chance of happy-ever-after was for his sister to find her imprint. She would only find her imprint if the imprint of the alpha was accepted. He knew this hurdle had been crossed. Now they just had to wait for Leah to imprint. His heart was heavy from the weight of this knowledge. On top of all this, he was unsure if his imprint would be male or female. All the uncertainties about their future had Seth scared. As he looked at himself in the mirror, sweat started to pour down face. He could feel himself shake and his breathing became shallow, his face devoid of color. He had put on a brave face for his mother and sister but he was scared shitless! How was he going to do this? His future now dependent upon making no eye contact until his sister imprints. He was shaken out of thoughts by the sound of the front door opening.

"Hey Seth! You here?" Brady shouting out as he made his way into the house followed closely by Collin. Brady and Collin. They had become his best friends. Saving him from his lonely thoughts these last two weeks as they had waited to hear from the council on the decision regarding the stipulations placed upon Seth. Brady and Collin had become his sidekicks. Wherever Seth went, Brady and Collin were sure to follow. If you found one, you found all three. They had become the little brothers of the pack.

"Yeah, I'll be down in a minute!" Seth shouted back. He took one more look in the mirror and then collected himself before he headed downstairs. As he got to the bottom of the stairs, he spotted Brady sitting on the couch already setting up the game console, while Collin was in the kitchen with his head in the frig. He chuckled to himself. This had become the typical scene at any house they were at with the exceptions being Sam's. Emily would not let Collin near her frig. She had whacked him a couple of times before he finally got the hint. And in a room full of dominate wolves, there was no way Brady would have control over the TV, much less Sam's TV!

"Hey man! You ready for tonight?" an excited Brady asked Seth once he spotted him. Collin looked up from his position in front of the frig.

"Hey Seth! Soda?" Collin offered him. Seth nodded and Collin tossed the drink his way. Seth really wanted a nice cold beer, just to take the edge off a little. His nerves were getting the better of him. Collin and Seth made their way over to the couch where Brady had already set up the game console. They still had a couple hours to kill.

"Yeah about as ready as I'll ever be."

"I can hear your heart beating out of your chest man! Relax! It'll be fun," stated Brady. Seth smiled at him. He had become really close to these two so he decided to get things off his chest.

"Yeah, about that," he started. Collin stopped drinking his soda and Brady put the game on pause.

"What's up?" asked Collin, curious about what Seth had to say.

"Yeah man! What's going on?" Brady equally as curious.

Seth took a deep breath and decided to just come out with it. Like ripping a bandage off. One fail swoop. "So I went to visit my mom," he begin.

"Is everything okay?" both Brady and Collin chimed in. They both looked at each other.

"Jinx, bitch!" they both said at the same time.
"Jinx again!" again at the same time. This went on for a bit.

"GUYS! GUYS! Would you please listen?" Seth was frustrated and just wanted to get things off his chest. Brandy and Collin stopped and looked towards Seth. Instantly, they knew something was bothering him. He never raises his voice to anyone so this must be very important.

"Sorry, man. Go ahead bro," encouraged Brady. Seth sighed heavily before he continued.

"So like I said, I went to visit my mom and she told me something that is just too heavy to hold in."

"What is it? What did she say?" (Brady)

"Get this! So she has been having these dreams about my father in the spirit world."

"Okay, that can either be good or bad." (Collin)

"Listen! So she tells me that she felt like he had been trying to reach out to her but just couldn't but when went into a coma, she found herself in the spirit world with my father. And get this!" By now both Brady and Collin were on the edge of their seats. "My father tells my mother that both Leah and I will imprint."

"That's great!" (Brady)

"Yeah it is! (Collin)

"LISTEN! Let me finish!" Seth raised his voice again. Both boys could sense the bad part was coming. "So we will imprint, great and dandy BUT if I imprint before my sister then her imprint is lost to her FOREVER!" Both Brady and Collin gasped at what Seth just said. Dumbfounded for a minute, they are unable to respond.

"Does Leah know?" asked Brady.

"Yes. My mom told her before she told me."

"Okay, so we will just have to be extra careful. You never make eye contact anyways so that can help out," pointed out Collin. A small, sad smile played on Seth's lips. He did not like the way he had become. It was not in his nature to not make eye contact however it had become vital that he continued with his adopted habit.

"Yeah and we can definitely help you out! This will work out! You'll see!" stated Brady confidentially. Seth wished he was as sure as his friends. He also wished Leah would imprint as fast as possible. He wasn't sure how much more he could take.

"Hey man. Don't worry! We got your six," Brady stated after he noticed the sad look on Seth's face. Okay, they have been playing too many war games if Brady is speaking in military lingo and I understood. He sighed again, smiled at the thought, and ran the palm of hands down his laps in an effort to wipe off the sweat from his hands.

"You ready to get your ass handed to you?" Brady smiled at Seth while handing him a controller. Seth smiled wider and grabbed the controller, thankful for the welcomed distraction.

"Oh is that so!" he stated. The boys begin to immerse themselves in the video game. Seth felt a bit better knowing his friends would shoulder the weight and responsibility with him. He temporarily was able to forget what was plaguing his mind. He was grateful to have his friends with him. After three solitary years, Seth was glad to have any friends. The only thing to do now was to beat his friends in a friendly game of Call of Duty until they headed out to the bonfire…eyes to the ground that is!

Meanwhile, Jacob and Nessie were getting ready for the bonfire. She knew this would be in celebration that her and her Jakey were back together. She was so happy skipping around their room, light as a feather! She was looking forward to tonight. While she hummed to herself, looking for an outfit to wear for both herself and her Jake, he stood with arms crossed over his muscled chest, leaning on the doorframe of their bedroom. He took in the sight of his Nessie going throughtheir closet trying to find suitable outfits. A smile on his face and love in his heart. Mine! Mark! Mate! And of course, a demanding wolf he had to beat down inside. These past two weeks, Jacob had been in heaven. If he was dreaming, he never wanted to wake up. He finally had his Nessie back and he was feeling better than he had ever felt before. His cheeks were sore from not being able to wipe the smile off his face. The imprint had morphed from being her best friend to wanting to be more to her, for her. The last time he saw her, she resembled a fifteen year old and her raging hormones were in full swing. He grimaced at the memory of having to fight off his pack brothers. Her scent was driving them wild. Back then, he was also struggling with the feeling of wanting to take her intimately and of wanting to protect her innocence. Jacob had been struggling to find the balance to be what she needed and what she wanted, while still having to find the strength to control his inner wolf.

He sighed heavily, as only lovers do when in the presence of the object of their affection, when Nessie finally spotted him leaning against the doorframe. She dropped what she was doing and floated over to him. Immediately, Jacob opened his arms to embrace his girl. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he pulled her in for a deep kiss. She loved the way he tasted and she knew she would never tire of wanting to taste him. The need for him growing every time he touched her, caressed her, kissed her. If it was not necessary to breathe, she would never pull away from his kisses but alas her lungs needed air. Hesitantly, pulling away, she smiled up at him as he placed his forehead on hers, placed his hands loosely on her hips and lost himself in her gaze.

"Hey baby. How long have you been standing there?" she quietly asked. He smiled and kissed her again before he spoke.

"Long enough," he answered back as quietly as she had asked. He was lost in her big, beautiful chocolate brown eyes. He could stay like this forever, just drowning in her gaze. She stared at him in awe. How did she ever get so lucky? She was equally lost in his dark brown eyes. They leaned in to a kiss again. He just loved how she tasted and could have continued to kiss her, however the need to talk to her was gnawing at him. She could feel him tense up as they kissed. He was anxious, not knowing how she would take what he needed to tell her but he promised himself he would accept it regardless if he liked her reaction or not.

"What is it?" Nessie asked as she sense the change in Jacob's mood. The bond between them was growing stronger every day and she was able to feel the subtle changes in his mood. He sighed again as he pulled her even tighter against him.

"We need to talk," he stated.

"About?"

"Tonight."

"What about tonight?" she asked, curiosity taking over. "Wait, you still want to go right? Are you feeling okay? What's wrong?" she peppered him with questions as she inspected his form looking for any signs of distress. He gently tilted her head up so he could look into her eyes again.

"I'm fine, love. Well, sort of," he continued.

"What do you mean sort of?" she begin to worry.

"This has to do with us, with the imprinting," he looked at her, trying to gauge her reaction.

"Jacob, look I know and I appreciate you waiting for me. I not sure when I will be ready but you will be the first to know," she started.

"Nessie, love, it's not about that," he assured her again about the lack of sex between them before he continued, "Look, baby, I know that you know about imprinting, the need to mate to seal the bond and the effects it has on both parties." She winced at the memory of almost losing him. Mine! Mate! His wolf chimed in. "But there is so much more to it and I want to explain it to you before we head out to the bonfire ." Now he really piqued her interest.

"What do you mean?" she asked as they moved over to their bed and sat down. Their bed. This made him smile.

"Well, you know imprinting brings soulmates together. It finds the love that was meant to be. I am devoted to you to make you happy, to be what you need when you need but it is so much more than that. Love doesn't even began to describe what I feel. I need you in my life. I emotionally, spiritually, and physically need you. I need you like I need air to breath. You are my air. You have my heart. But at the same time, this need is dangerous. Ah, how do I explain this?" Jacob was looking for the right words to explain what he was trying to say. "Okay let me just say it. Ness, babe, I want you to be aware there is a dark side to imprinting." He stopped to let this sink in. Nessie sat there looking at him, waiting for him to continue. He understood and started up again, "See when a wolf imprints, it becomes necessary for him to mark his mate, to stake his claim so-to-speak. Once the pair have mated, the wolf's scent is permanently on his mate letting others know she or he has been taken. This way no other wolf will dare to stake their claim on another wolf's mate." At this point, he stopped looking at her because he was unsure how she would take this next part. "Until that time, he will become possessive of his intended mate. He will fight anyone who even touches his imprint. Anger will consume him and frustration will be his constant mood. It will drive the wolf mad if his imprint does anything to reciprocate any feelings as simple as friendship to other wolves." He swallowed, unsure if he should continue. There was silence in the room. The air became thick with anticipation. He finally heard her sift and then she spoke her thoughts out loud.

"So, because we haven't… mated… you will become an overbearing, obnoxious, jealous jerk if I even mingle with any of the others in your pack? Is this what I am hearing?" She stared at him for an answer. He hung his head in shame and nodded.

"It is worse for me right now because we have been apart for so long." He almost whispered. She was silent again. After a few minutes, he turned to face her and what he saw broke his heart. She was crying. Anxious to make it up to her, he turned and cupped her face between his hands and started to speak but she stopped him.

"It's all my fault," she whimpered as tears continued to fall.

"Oh baby!...No, no! Please don't blame yourself. Please," he choked out as tears began to fall from his eyes. He bent down to meet her gaze. She sniffled and finally met his gaze with a tear stained face. She smiled weakly at him. He eyes sadden at the sight of Nessie. She nodded.

"You're struggling." It was more of statement than a question. He closed his eyes, place his forehead against hers and nodded, slightly. Up until this moment, she was unaware of the battle that was raging inside of Jacob. Up to this point, she did not comprehend just how difficult this was for him. He was battling with the russet wolf inside of him. He was fighting the instinct so ingrained in him. But most of all, he was fighting to stay sane and patient and she was just taking, taking, taking and never giving anything in return.

"Tell me." She softly whispered as she pleaded with him. He understood.

"When we went to see Sue, I had to call ahead of time to make sure no one was there who would set me off. Seth had been the one to answer. I demanded he left his mother's side. That's not right… I ordered him to leave."

"But Grandpa and Leah were there."

"Yes but they pose no threat in trying to take you from me."

"Oh," she stated in understanding. He continued.

"And when others would come around to check up on us, I would make sure you were occupied or that they would leave early…" he was saying with shame written on his face.

"Because of the need to protect your imprint." She finished. He looked at her and nodded before adding.

"Not only to protect but it's becoming possessive." MINE! MINE! "I can't even begin to think what I would do if they touched you. You're mine! They cannot touch what is MINE!" he growled and then stopped, trying to reign in his anger at the thought. He stood up and paced away from Nessie because he was starting to tremble in anger. His hands clenched in a fist beside him. His breathing was labored. His eyes squeezed shut as he steadied himself. MINE! MARK! MATE!

Then he felt a calmness wash over him as he felt her place her hand on his chest, right over his heart, and another on his face. His anger washed away by the simple gesture. He leaned into her touch and smiled despite himself. He opened his eyes and met her gaze. Slowly, she leaned up and place a soft, understanding kiss upon his lips. He smiled and pressed into the kiss. She felt him lick her bottom lip and her mouth opened automatically, letting him enter her mouth and her soul. She had been hurting him for three years by being away and sadly, she realized, she is continuing to hurt him by not letting his wolf claim her. She was unsure how much longer she would be able to hold off but she was unsure if she was ready. Feeling his love and devotion through his kiss, she begin to cry at the hurt she was making him feel, and although he was slowly beginning to get his health back, she finally understood he would not be 100% until he has claimed what is rightfully his. She cried because she knew he was still broken. She cried because she knew a part of her was also still broken.

Jacob pulled away and cupped her face as he kissed away her tears. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled herself closer to him, placing her head against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and held her in his arms, relishing in the feel of her skin on his. The small electrical charges beginning to envelope all of him, reaching deep down into his soul. Mine! Mark! Mine! His wolf scratching at the surface, trying desperately to claim what was his. Mine! Mine! Mine! Jacob battling the russet wolf for control and refusing to let him win. Jacob refuse to let his wolf hurt his Nessie. Reluctantly, she pulled away from his embrace. She looked up at him and vowed to help Jacob in any way she could. She hated seeing him this way. She knew it was her fault and she needed to make this right. She needed to make this up to him. She wanted to steal his pain away. She no longer wanted to see him broken. He would not be broken for long because she refused to leave him in this state. She resolved to gather up her strength and be everything and anything he need her to be. This time it was her turn to protect him as only she could. Looking back, she realized she only thought of herself and wanted to tell him she was so sorry for the way she had been and is being, but she knew he would not listen to her reason. She needed to show him that she needed him as much as he needed her. She needed him like she needed air to breath. She was addicted to him and she was in deep. Just as he was battling his inner wolf, she was battling her inner demons. She never wanted him to see the screwed up side of her that she kept deep down inside. Her ugliness that made her feel like she was unworthy of anyone's love especially his. Or at least she used to believe this. She never meant to be so cold towards him and she vowed to change that starting at this very moment because he had to know she was nothing without him. He was her everything.

By the time they arrived at the bonfire, the party was in full swing. Almost everyone had arrived and were busy having spirited conversations as the couple approached the scene. Nessie made a mental note to herself, she needed to be aware of her actions around others for the sake of Jacob's sanity and the safety of his pack brothers. She was unsure what he would do but she knew one thing, he would do bodily harm to anyone who came near her. She made the decision to stay close by his side and never let him find her alone with any of the other wolves. She had the responsibility as the alpha's mate to appease his wolf and help Jacob gain control over him. The first ones to spot them were, Sam and his imprint, Emily. Emily smiled at both of them as she held onto Sam. Nessie noted, although Jacob hugged Sam, he never made any physical contact with Emily. Emily went over to hug Nessie and Nessie heard Jacob rumble behind her.

"Oh stop!" Emily teased him. "It's not like I'm a threat." She moved away and Sam wrapped his arms protectively around her as he glared at Jacob. Nessie placed her arms around Jacob's waist as he wrapped her up in his arms. He nodded at Sam before they moved on to greet the others. Every wolf greeted the couple and every wolf avoided touching Nessie. However, later into the night, one of the newer wolves, Caleb, made the mistake of brushing up against Nessie accidently as he headed for the food table. In the next instant, he was abruptly pushed to the ground by an angry Jacob. He towered over a stunned Caleb.

"Don't you touch her! You have no right!" he growled in Caleb's face, rage in his eyes. "SHE'S MINE!" he spat. Immediately, Paul, Sam, and Jared pulled Jacob off Caleb. Caleb crawled backwards in an effort to put distance between himself and Jacob, never taking his eyes off of him. Jacob struggled against his pack's hold, trying to get at Caleb. His breathing was labored as anger took over him. "LET ME GO!" he roared still struggling against his brothers. Even though Jacob was still in a semi-weaken state, Paul, Sam and Jared fought to keep their hold on him. Nessie knew she had to intervene quickly before Jacob phased. She could see him trembling as his hands began to blur. Nessie, careful not to touch the others, placed her hand on Jacob. He jerked his head back towards the familiar feeling of the electrical current that flowed between him and his Nessie. He gazed into her eyes as his stance soften, no longer struggling against the arms that held him back. Once Sam was sure Jacob had gain control, he motioned for Paul and Jared to release their hold. They let him go as Nessie placed one hand on his chest and the other on his face.

"I'm okay baby. I'm not hurt." She cooed at him further placating the wolf within.

"He shouldn't have touched you. You're mine!" he stated as his pitch black eyes slowing begin to fade into deep brown. Jacob fighting to keep his wolf in check.

"All yours baby." She stated as she smiled at him. He relaxed as she kissed him to help calm him down further. Caleb, at this point, was dragged away by Paul as he chastised Caleb for being so stupid for not watching where he was going. Everyone was well aware of Jacob's possessive nature and everyone knew not to touch Nessie, not even accidently. Once Jacob was calm, the atmosphere returned to its previous celebratory mood. Caleb stayed far away from the couple the rest of the night.

Jacob sat on the sand, his back up against a log placed around the bonfire, with Nessie between his legs. He had one knee up, with his arm resting on his knee as he used it to support Nessie as she sat with her back against his leg. His other leg was stretched out before him with Nessie's legs draped across them and his other arm resting on her laps. She sat sideways to face Jacob. She held a plate with a mountain of food that she fed to Jacob. Nessie could feel the russet wolf purr with delight as she fed him. She was happy that his wolf was calm and quiet. This would mean less fighting Jacob had to endure with his wolf at this moment. She was able to relax which in turn made Jacob relax. They begin to join in the lively chatter around them.

As they sat and ate, the elders begin to make their way towards the bonfire. Jacob got up and took his place beside his father next to the elders, with Nessie close by his side. All the other wolves took their place in the pack. Since Sam was current alpha, he sat next to Jacob. Jared was the current beta with Paul at his flank. Next, was Embry, Quil, and Leah followed by Seth, Brady, Collin and the newest members Caleb and Taylor. Those who were not part of the inner circle, left them in peace. Old Quil called for the attention of the gathering crowd. Today they would celebrate a new beginning for tonight the rightful alpha had return to them. Smiles and occasional tears were on the faces of the crowd as they recounted Jacob and Nessie's journey up to this point. It was decided that in three weeks, Sam would step down and Jacob would take back his leadership role. Nessie was beaming with pride.

Billy Black, proceeded to share the secrets stories of the tribe for the benefit of the new comers. Every member knew the stories about Taha Aki all too well, for these secrets were shared time and time again when new members joined the pack, new imprints were introduced to the pack, and/or the need to celebrate a milestone had arisen, such as in the case of the alpha's imprint return. And although this bonfire was also to celebrate Seth's release from his stipulations, not a word was mentioned about this. The council did not want to provoke Jacob because he was not aware of Seth's wrong doings. Seth was to tell Jacob his story after Jacob and Nessie had consummated the imprinting bond. Until then, no one was to say a word for right now Jacob was unstable, but each council member nodded in acknowledgement towards Seth. They were the only people he made eye contact with for it was considered disrespectful not too, especially when it came to the elders. After the elders left, the younger crowd was left to enjoy the rest of the night.

Jacob stood up and motioned towards the forest to Nessie. Tonight, he wanted to let out his inner wolf. The russet wolf had not been able to surface while Jacob recovered. She nodded and they begin to walk towards the woods with Sam and Jared flanking them. The russet wolf was itching to come out to run and stretch his legs. As they entered the woods, Jacob kissed Nessie and stood back. Sam and Jared stood in front of her in a protective stance, always making sure not to come into contact with her. They did not want to set off the wolf. Jacob took off his shirt and shoes. He looked straight at Nessie as he dropped his shorts revealing his naked glory. She gasped as lust filled her eyes. She had not seen his naked form since that day in the forest when she tricked him into phasing back to human. He smirked at her and then he begin to feel the heat run up his spine. His muscles and bones stretching out as he phased into the massive wolf form. The russet wolf shook out his fur then stood there looking at his imprint. He gave growled at Sam and Jared. Both, Sam and Jared nodded at the wolf while they moved away from Nessie. She gently stepped forward and slowly placed her hand out to touch the massive wolf that stood before her. She had not seen him since she was lost in the spirit world.

"There you are." She whispered to him with a wide smile on her face as she caressed his fur. "I missed you." He leaned into her touch and rumbled with delight. She giggled and then told him, "Thank you for taking care of me in that dark forest." The wolf nuzzled against her face in understanding. She hugged his neck. He then lowered his body and waited for Nessie to climb onto his back. She took her all too familiar place between his shoulder blades and nestled into his fur. She inhaled deeply taking in his scent. Woodsy, musky, and a hint of fresh rain. Standing up, the wolf howled into the night air before he took off running deep into the forest with is mate securely on his back.

He was happy. He was home. It had been awhile since he could hold up his head high. The russet wolf ran, feeling alive again, energized and invigorated. His legs taking longer strides, stretching out his powerful muscles. Whipping past the trees, jumping over fallen logs, the soft earth beneath his great paws. He threw back his head again and howled with elated joy. The russet wolf was back. The alpha was back. The crowd at the bonfire cheered, many pumping their fist in the air, others clapping, as they heard the joyous howl that ripped through the night air. The pack high fived and hugged each other, feeling over joyed that their alpha was alive, that their alpha was back, but mostly that their brother was back.

Please review. I am not a big fan of the bonfire scene when the elders spoke but I just was too lazy to change it. I will post the next chapter probably while you are reading this one!

Much love...